Many Charles Sturt researchers will have funded projects affected by the COVID-19 restrictions including travel, access to facilities, and group gatherings.    These restrictions may impact research team’s ability to deliver on contractual obligations and meet milestones.

The Research Office recommends the following actions in relation to managing and preparing for project delays associated with COVID-19:

• Conduct research meetings online or via videoconference in lieu of face-to-face travel, take note of University and local Government guidelines on gatherings and events to ensure you are aware of these requirements;
• Discuss with your research team a contingency plan and potential revisions to milestone schedules to ensure project continuity, where possible, or continuation of project deliverables once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
• Make a 3 day, 2 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 month plan. We assume we will be business as usual by end of 2020, but please factor long term planning into your current processes.
• Consult your funding body contact after you have undertaken your contingency planning process, discuss with them potential options around project continuity and seek their advice and input.
• Prepare to document your progress to date/future plans as part of any upcoming progress reporting that is due in the immediate future.

If you are having trouble determining what to do we suggest setting up a  meeting with your Associate Dean Research or Research Centre Director to discuss what progress can still occur during the COVID-19 situation.   The Research Office will also need to be aware of any arrangements made via email directly with funding bodies to alter milestones/deliverables that are part of contracted arrangements.  The Research Office will then liaise with the funding body to determine what they require to formally alter any research agreements to reflect these negotiated changes.